Randy's URGENT Medical Treatment!
Hi, I'm Randy and along with my wife Coni, we are asking for your help. What I'm about to write below will take more than one 'sitting' and will increase my pain level by quite a bit just by sitting here and typing, but I must write this. Only one of my hands is completely capable of typing now and even though it's extra painful, I have to type this myself because my wife (bless her) has arthritis really bad now and I wouldn't even think of asking her to type this because of the extra pain she would feel.
It bother's me greatly to even do this (ask for help) but we both have many many health issues and we really need some assistance. We are two 'real' disabled people in dire need and other than my one older brother and his wife (Thank you Cal and Elaine for everything), we have absolutely no one to help us with anything including money.
I could go on and on about all of our health problems but I don't want to take up too much of your time. I know it's just as valuable as mine.
------------------------------------- 
As I said, we both (my wife and I) have major health issues, but my health has really take a turn for the worse in the past 7 or 8 months. On top of already having two major neck surgeries, lower back fusion on multiple levels, two plates put in left wrist, etc. I now have contracted two extremely severe nerve diseases called 'RSD/CRPS' <Link), 'Brachial Plexopathy' and I also have 'Neuropathy' in both legs.
These diseases affect my entire left side (left side of neck, left shoulder, arm, hand and fingers, etc. I also have paralysis a great deal of the time in my left arm and both of my legs have given out on me. I now use a electric wheelchair which I'm very thanful to have received.
Here's where RSD/CRPS nerve disease is on the McGill Pain Index <Link) It's a horribly painful and debilitating disease. This pain is rated higher than Child birth, Amputation and even Cancer.
This has left me 'homebound' as the visiting RN nurses and therapists that come to my home to help me have me listed on their patient assessment forms. I use a hospital bed at home (below), my new electric wheelchair and use oxygen. Because of the 'Neuropathy' in both legs and feet I am very un-stable on my feet when I stand and attempt to walk.
With all of the out of town doctors appointments, hospital visits, parking fees, new prescription medication costs, extra gas and other things, it has left us in a very bad way money wise, not to mention the van with a wheelchair lift that I now desperately need. Nothing fancy, just mechanically sound and has a chair lift.
We are also are in need of a good washer and electric dryer. Ours are both worn out. You may donate any amount you want or can. There is no set amount and remember every dollar will help us in a very meaningful way. Got two bucks, donate two. Got twenty, then donate $20 dollars. It's all up to you.
As I have been told by my neurologist, this may go on for a very long time and is most likely permanent so he is working with me and my wife to give me the best possible care and best quality of life that he can. That's really tough to do with these particular diseases. I'm in constant 24 hour - 7 days a week pain that is like pain that many people have never experienced - ever. The pain never really 'let's up'.
Even with medication, I cry more than I care to admit from the pain. Sometimes I cry to the point that I'm no longer crying, but sobbing and trying to catch my breath. I was once a strong 6 foot-3 inch 240 pound working man, but now I'm dealing with all of this. I've also lost over 50 pounds in just the last year or so. I truly and from my heart would not wish this upon anyone. Not even a so-called enemy.
If for any reason, you are not in a position to donate, then please do not. We can definitely understand since we are there now ourselves.
We literally have no one that can help us. We have always helped others when we could, but we now find ourselves being the ones who could use a 'hand-up'. Seriously, any amount of help no matter how large or small can and will make a big difference.
Again, please only donate if you can afford to.
Again, Thank you.
Randall (Randy) & Coni Koehler
